HIPAA and Privacy Law

Issues of privacy and identity theft have become increasingly prevalent as society relies more heavily on technology and the internet. While undeniably convenient, we are continually at risk for personal information being stolen from electronic systems. Groundbreaking legislation designed to protect an individual’s private information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), require additional security measures by all parties with a duty to the public.

A brief history of HIPAA

In 1996, the United States Congress passed HIPAA. Its legislation ensured employees would not immediately lose health insurance if they changed or lost their jobs, standardized the methods data and other transactions are treated by healthcare providers, and created more stringent guidelines to protect the privacy of a patient’s health information. These guidelines applied to insurers and doctors alike and were meant to encourage the use of electronic transactions, improving the effectiveness of the nation’s medical system. Policies were instituted to make sure all necessary parties complied with HIPAA’s standards.

We help insurance companies and employers understand privacy issues

Luther, Crowe & Rainey, P.C. helps insurance companies and employers throughout the Gulf Coast region of Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida ensure the intimate details about an individual’s health stay that way. We diligently analyze and interpret the federal regulations stipulated by HIPAA translating it into plain language. We make it easy for our clients to understand exactly what they must do to comply with the minute details of various statutes. Our attorneys use their familiarity with privacy law to:

• Prepare contracts
• Draft notices and policies
• Review documents relating to privacy statutes

Contact our Mobile, Alabama office today to speak to one of our qualified lawyers for additional information on HIPAA and privacy laws.